“Oh, it’s coming, buddy. I know you too well. Get ready, because you’re toast. I’m not letting you push me away.”
His eyes roved over mine, filled with a latent fear I’d never seen. I could tell he was extremely worried for me, and it almost broke my heart.
“I’m not going to leave you like your parents did,” I whispered. “They didn’t have a choice, and I’m so sorry that you had to experience that. But this time is different. You don’t have to be scared to love me, Nick. I promise.”
He inhaled a shaky breath. “You can’t promise unknowns.”
My smile deepened. “I can promise anything I want, and fuck anyone who says I can’t.”
His deep chuckle surrounded me. “You’re too goddamned stubborn. It’s going to get you killed.”
“Maybe, but let’s kick life in the ass before that happens. Let’s do it together. I want to do everything with you. Don’t you know that by now?”
His warm breath washed over my face as he shook his head. “You deserve better than this world filled with car bombs and kidnapping. It’s beneath you, Alexis.”
“Can you do me a favor?”
He nodded.
“Can you just shut up and let me save my energy for when we have this conversation later? I need to prepare, and you’re pissing me off.”
He laughed. “Okay. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”
“Thank you. And when I get home, if you ignore me again and push me away, I swear to God, I’m going to kick your ass.”
Deep laughter rolled in his chest. “Is that so?”
“Mmm hmm.”
“Message received.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Let’s get you home, and then we’ll talk.”
“Okay.” My eyelids grew heavy as he continued to stroke my cheek and hair. Eventually, I felt myself falling under. “Don’t leave.”
“I’m right here, princess,” he said as my eyes shut on their own accord. “I’m not going anywhere.”
His soft caresses carried me under as I anticipated going home.
Chapter 28
Alexis
Ireturned home, my body battered, but my resolve strong. I took my recovery seriously, making sure to get lots of rest so I could heal quickly and move on with my life. Resting for several days also gave me loads of time to think, and I made several decisions about my future that I was excited to pursue once I felt better.
Mom was an excellent nurse, applying various gels and ointments on my back to ensure my wounds healed. After a few days at home, I was up and about and joining her on one of the treadmills for a thirty-minute walk each day.
Nick had visited me every day, but he remained a bit closed off, and I understood why. He carried guilt about the explosion and tying me to him in a world where other disasters could happen, and I spent a lot of time fortifying my case for our future. When we finally sat down for our important discussion, I wanted to ensure I obliterated any reason he had left to push me away.
It was time for us to accept that we were meant to be together. Now that I’d embraced that truth, I didn’t want to waste any more time apart.
A week after returning home, my back had healed nicely, and I barely felt any pain. I was able to sleep on my back, although the side was still more comfortable, but I was happy with the progress I was making.
My energy returned, and I felt empowered to embrace my life and truly start living the version of it that was going to make me happy. The first step was getting Michael on board with my plan.
I waited until he returned home from his morning visit to the docks and knocked on his office door.
“Come in!”
Stepping inside, I grinned. “I need to meet with you, and it might take a while. Should I schedule something on your calendar?”
